Sikkim Himalayan Academy
Retired teacher Magi Finlayson takes the skills and experience she gained whilst working in the UK and uses them to further the development of the Sikkim Himalayan Academy. Here, Magi talks to A Good Week about the work the Academy is doing to improve access to education for poor Indian children and tells us what Good means to her…
Tell us a little about Sikkim Himalayan Academy…
The Sikkim Himalayan Academy was started in 2003. It is an English medium Primary School with 60 boarders and 30 day children from the local village. The Academy only takes in children from families with the most need and only supports one child from each family. We employ five local teachers, a monk and two cooks and our work is mainly supported through sponsorship, with additional funds coming from fundraising and bequests.
Tell us a bit about you and your role at the Academy…
I am a retired Primary School teacher and am now part of the Academy’s Trust, which comprises of three other women. I am based in Bath, UK and Eymet, France and have visited the school five times. During these visits I teach at the school and advise on educational matters. I also find sponsors, do some fundraising and oversee the school’s charity bank account.
However I spend most of my time recruiting and coordinating the volunteers at the school. There are three or four English-speaking volunteers at the school at any one time, which is a significant number given that travel permits only allow foreigners to remain in Sikkim for a maximum of two months.
What is the aim of the Academy?
We aim to help the children of Sikkim to fulfil their potential. We continue to support the children when they leave the Academy by finding them a good secondary school and providing accommodation and teaching support if required.
We are very proud of the fact that two of the students from the Academy’s first intake are now completing tertiary education.
This year, Enjay will obtain a BA in Agriculture from a university in Dehradun and will either return to Dzongu to work or pursue her Masters. Sangdup is studying for an MA in Commerce in Mumbai and has one more year to go.
Both have promised to help other children with their education once they have found a well paid job.
What does Good mean to you?
To me Good means to put into practice something that will make a difference in a positive way.
– Magi Finlayson
Sikkim Himalayan Academy